Business Directories

Dubai gears up for big IT shopper event

Dubai, April 2, 2013

More than 30,000 products - from touch-screen laptops to tablets to the latest tech products, gadgets and accessories - will be on sale at the inaugural 'Gitex Shopper Spring 2013,' which opens in Dubai tomorrow (April 3).

To be held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the four-day shopper event takes place during school spring break to offer students, parents and educators the best opportunity to stock up on the learning tools of today.

Exhibitors will be offering unbeatable deals on the latest tech products, gadgets and accessories now becoming as common in the classroom as pencil cases and rulers used to be, said the event organisers DWTC in a statement.

With computers and tech in general an accepted part of life in today’s world, keeping pace with the fast changing tech world is increasingly important for students to thrive in the modern education system and in the jobs of the future. From touch-screen laptops to tablets, interactivity and connectivity bring a new dimension to the learning process and everyday life, the statement added.

Governments across the region are driving initiatives in the education sector that are revolutionising the traditional classroom and learning approach.

One example is the Dh1 billion “Mohammed bin Rashid Smart Learning Initiative” launched last year as part of the UAE Vision 2021 that will transform classrooms as well as integrate teachers, students, parents and administrators into a single e-platform, said the DWTC statement.

“Technology has now become an integral part of education and learning, whether in or out of the classroom, and with tech products that are both specialised and general parts of our everyday lives. Gitex Shopper Spring offers students and parents the chance to find the best products and great prices, and enjoy some great entertainment at the same time from our power retailers and brands,” said Trixee Loh, senior VP of DWTC.

Particular trends being recognised by power retailers in the region include the use of tablets in classrooms and at home.

Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s Electronics said the use of tablets in K12 education has enabled more interactivity in the learning process using tools that are readily accepted by kids today.

The introduction of Windows 8 in November last year has also encouraged the use of touch-screen laptops and hybrid devices, with education apps relying on tools most instinctive for the youth of today.

“From our stand at Gitex Shopper Spring next week we will showcase a wide range of tablets from established brands such as Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Asus and Microsoft, as well as OEM brands in the budget segment like HCL, Prestigio, Eurostar and Touchmate. In terms of touch-screen Windows 8 laptops and PCs, visitors can also scoop up special deals on products from HP, Acer, Lenovo, Dell, Asus, Toshiba and Samsung,” said Panjabi.

Nadeem Khanzadah, the head of retail at Jumbo Electronics said, “Books have been replaced with tablets in the classrooms, and many training institutes and higher education providers make it absolutely compulsory to include technology in the classroom. Students are also now connected via smartphones both socially and academically.”

The power retailer will also showcase a comprehensive range of tablets at the uipcoming shew in addition to a wide choice of the latest tech products at the best possible prices.

According to Saiju KP, the retail manager at One Mobile, the company has seen strong demand for cutting-edge educational products in the UAE and will showcase the latest tablets from top companies such as Apple and Samsung.

"These are exciting times for students and teachers keen on embracing technology in the classroom. This is a youthful country with one of the most tech-savvy populations in the world," remarked Saiju.

"Products such as tablets offer almost unlimited educational potential, and while Apple has historically dominated the Middle Eastern tablet scene, Android-based devices are quickly gaining in popularity. The market is continually evolving, and its sheer competitiveness is pushing technology providers to innovate like never before," he added.

In addition to the bonanza of bargains, the show offers a myriad of fun entertainment, feature activities and Big Bang prizes to be won. These include a sporty Mini Cooper to be won every day of the show, Visit & Win raffle prizes, and gift vouchers.

The organiser DWTC boasts of its own dedicated metro station just steps away from the door to the show, and a great choice of food and beverage options on site, to make the Gitex Shopper Spring a great day out for the family.

The tickets have been priced at Dh15 per person for the big shopping event which runs from 11am to11pm. Entry is free for children under the age of five.-TradeArabia News Service